Body Facts: Immune System
- The skin secretes antibacterial substances that hinder the penetration of bacteria and fungi through the skin. That’s why we don't wake up in the morning with a layer of mold growing on our skin - most bacteria and spores that land on the skin die quickly.
- Tears, sweat and mucus contain an enzyme (lysozyme) that breaks down the cell wall of many bacteria.
- Lymph nodes contain filtering tissue and a large number of lymph cells. When fighting certain bacterial infections, the lymph nodes swell substantially, due to the bacteria and the cells fighting them that you can actually feel them. Swollen lymph nodes may be a good indication of an infection.
Facts courtesy of BODY WORLDS.
Image: Gunther von Hagens, Institute for Plastination, Heidelberg, Germany, www.bodyworlds.com.
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- Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas
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Animal Inside Out
A stunning look inside the animal kingdom from the creators of BODY WORLDS.
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Space Junk
A visually stunning exploration of our planet's perilous ring of orbiting debris.
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Air Racers
Ride along as elite pilots fight for position, wingtip-to-wingtip, in the fastest motor sport.
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- Coming Soon
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Inventive Genius Lecture: Empires of Light
Jill Jonnes discusses the electric clashes between Edison, Tesla and Westinghouse.
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The Wooded Isle and Gardens of the World's Fair
Cathy Maloney discusses the gardens of the World's Fairs and tours the Wooded Isle.
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The Wooded Isle and Gardens of the World's Fair
Cathy Maloney returns to discuss World's Fair gardens and tour the Wooded Isle.
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